GERD and ACID REFLUX

GERD and ACID REFLUX

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

Next to constipation and diarrhea, one of the most common concerns that people have is stomach acid. This includes GERD or gastroesophageal re-flux disease. Other common concerns that relate to stomach acid include Peptic ulcers, gastritis, and ironically, too little stomach acid. In this blog we will be focusing on GERD and an Invite product called Min Acid. Min Acid is one of my favorite recommendations for GERD. There is much to cover so let us get into it, shall we?

So, what exactly is GERD or gastroesophageal re-flux disease? GERD is known as acid re-flux or heartburn. The lower esophageal sphincter or “doorway” between the stomach and esophagus does not close properly allowing the acid and other stomach contents to leave the stomach and enter the esophagus. Normally the stomach has protection, so it can manage the acid without being damaged or causing pain. In contrast, the esophagus does not have these protections and thus when the acid rises it causes complications and pain. (1)

Most people know the symptoms of GERD include heartburn or burning in the chest, it can have quite a few other symptoms or be asymptomatic. In addition to heartburn, there can be a metallic or acidic taste in the mouth. Acid can cause bad breath and even an increase in saliva. As acid causes damage, pain with swallowing or even just a chronic sore throat is common. Some people with GERD never have any pain, but do develop symptoms such as a chronic cough, trouble breathing, an increase in asthma attacks and even chest pain that can be confused as coming from the heart. This is typically known as silent GERD since the classic heartburn is absent. While GERD can cause nausea or vomiting, this is less common in adults and is seen more in children and infants. (3) Children and infants can get GERD, but the symptoms are different than in adults. They can include vomiting, spitting up, coughing, wheezing, and food refusal that leads to weight loss. There can also be excessive burping and bad breath. (4) Over time acid can damage the enamel of teeth as well as the gums and dry mouth or burning mouth. (5)†

The number one risk factor for GERD is H. Pylori. In fact, up to 40% of GERD cases are associated with an H. Pylori infection. (6) Other risk factors include gallstones, obstructive sleep apnea, and obesity. 13% of changes in esophageal acid exposure is attributable to an increase in body mass index (BMI). (7) A hiatal hernia can also increase the risk of GERD. Holistically, food allergies/sensitivities can also increase the risk of GERD. Pathogens can also increase the risk of GERD. Stress is a significant risk factor for GERD. Certain medications and smoking are also risk factors for GERD. Lastly pregnancy can trigger GERD. (8)

Long term complications caused by an increase in stomach acids but are not limited to cancer. Other complications for GERD can include Esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and barrettes esophagus. (9)

What can you do if you have GERD? Well in addition to your medications one of my favorite suggestions is Min Acid! It hits all the markers for helping GERD.

Min Acid is an excellent formula for helping heal our digestive tract. However, the most common question I have gotten thus far about this product is “I have high blood pressure is this product safe to use?” Licorice extracts normally contain a compound called glycyrrhizin. This is the part of licorice that affects blood pressure. DGL, or deglycyrrhizinated licorice does not contain glycyrrhizin and thus should not affect potassium levels. According to Mount Sinai DGL “does not seem to have the undesired side effects of licorice”. (11)  By removing the glycyrrhizin, it makes the DGL form different in that it “does not alter blood pressure”.  (12) Therefore YES, it is safe to use!

What does Min Acid do for us?

• DGL has been found to reduce gastric discomfort and inflammation. (14) DGL has also been found to help reduce the effect of stomach acid and promote the healing of tissues. (18)
• Marshmallow root has been found to have anti-inflammatory benefits. (13) It has been found to help form a barrier that protects against stomach acid. (17) Studies have also found that marshmallow root can help to heal wounds. (15)
• Plantain root is a prebiotic and helps to “feed” the beneficial bacteria that protect our GI tract. (16)
• Slippery elm has been found to help increase mucous secretion in our digestive tract which allows a barrier to form that protects against stomach acid and inflammation (16)

Sources:

1. “Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults”. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). 5 November 2015. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
2. https://tulsagastro.com/conditions-symptoms-faq/what-is-gerd/
3. Clarrett, Danisa M.; Hachem, Christine (May 2018). “Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)”. Missouri Medicine. 115 (3): 214–218. ISSN 0026-6620. PMC 6140167. PMID 30228725.
4. Maqbool, Asim; Liacouras, Chris A. (2020). “Normal Digestive Tract Phenomena”. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics (21st ed.). Philadelphia, PA. ISBN 978-0-323-52950-1.
5. Lussi A, Jaeggi T (March 2008). “Erosion–diagnosis and risk factors”. Clinical Oral Investigations. 12 Suppl 1: S5–13. doi:1007/s00784-007-0179-
6. El-Omar EM, Oien K, El-Nujumi A, et al. (1997). “Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic gastric acid hyposecretion”. Gastroenterology. 113 (1): 15–24. doi:1016/S0016-5085(97)70075-1. PMID 9207257.
7. Ayazi S, Crookes PF, Peyre CG, et al. (September 2007). “Objective documentation of the link between gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity”. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 102: S138–S9. doi:14309/00000434-200709002-00059.
8. Sontag SJ (1999). “Defining GERD”. Yale J Biol Med. 72 (2–3): 69–80. PMC 2579007. PMID 10780568.bo
9. “Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults”. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). 5 November 2015. Archived from the original on 22 February 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2020.
10. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/licorice#:~:text=These%20extracts%20are%20known%20as,formation%20when%20taken%20with%20aspirin
11. https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/dgl/
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7090173/
13. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323761
14. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/marshmallow-root
15. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-plantains
16. https://www.drugs.com/npc/slippery-elm.html
17. https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2128005
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928719/

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